All patients participate in a detailed pre-procedure consultation with our physicians and nurse practitioner. Following the consultation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed to accurately determine the location and size of the fibroids. The MRI will also determine how much blood flow is getting to the fibroids and check the surrounding areas of the pelvis. After the consultation, we can schedule the UFE procedure if the patient is an appropriate candidate.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization involves blocking off the blood supply to the fibroid(s) through this minimally invasive procedure. UFE treats all fibroids in the uterus.

After numbing a small area in the groin, the Interventional Radiologist makes a small puncture in the femoral artery (blood vessel in the groin) and places a small catheter, about the size of a piece of spaghetti, into the artery.

The physician then guides the catheter through the arteries. After the tip of the catheter is in the uterine artery, tiny particles are injected, blocking off the abnormal blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid(s). The fibroids then shrink and die due to lack of sufficient blood flow.

The catheter is then removed and pressure is applied to the femoral artery puncture site for approximately 20 minutes to stop any bleeding. A bandage is then applied. No stitches are required.

The entire procedure usually takes about one hour. Patients are observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the next morning with specific instructions for home recovery.

Following UFE, patients typically can return to usual activities in approximately 7 to 10 days. The treated fibroids shrink approximately 50%-60% over the course of a year. Patients who present mainly with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding notice improvement within a few days. Other patients notice improvement within a few weeks.

The adult spine is a column of 33 bones that protects the spinal cord and enables us to stand upright. Each bony segment of the spine is referred to as a vertebra (two or more are called vertebrae).

Having a spinal fracture means that one of the vertebra has either cracked or collapsed. Like other bones in the body, the extent of the break can vary, from a hairline fracture to a complete collapse of the vertebral body.

When a bone breaks, localized swelling can occur, and pain is common. In the spine, swelling and misalignment can irritate adjacent tissue and nerves. Damage to even one vertebra can alter the alignment of your spine, upsetting the distribution of weight along the spinal column and setting the stage for another fracture.

What Are The Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty for Chronic Back Pain?

Balloon Kyphoplasty can reduce or eliminate your back pain from a spinal fracture, as well as restore vertebral body height and proper alignment of your spine. Early and effective treatment (fixing the broken bone) may reduce the consequences of spinal fractures, especially those associated with other treatments, for example, prolonged bed rest or use of analgesics (pain relievers).

Other benefits include sustained improvement in mobility, improvement in ability to perform activities of daily living, and improved quality of life.

What is the Ballon Kyphoplasty Procedure?

Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can repair spinal fractures. It takes about an hour per fracture level to treat a fracture with balloon kyphoplasty, and the procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis.

4 Steps of the Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure:

Step 1: With a hollow instrument, a narrow pathway is made into the fractured bone. A small orthopedic balloon is guided through the instrument into the vertebra. The incision site is approximately 1 centimeter in length.

Step 2: Next, the balloon is carefully inflated in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. This process creates a void (space) within the vertebral body. The void functions as a “container” for the bone cement.

Step 3: The void is then filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture.

Step 4: The cement forms an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. Generally, the procedure is done on both sides of the vertebra.

Kyphoplasty procedures typically result in greater than 90% of patients experiencing near-complete or complete pain relief.

What is an Interventional Radiologist?

An interventional radiologist is a medical doctor with additional education and training (fellowship) above and beyond the required four years of a basic diagnostic radiology residency. All of our interventional radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Learn more about ushere.

Don’t suffer from Acute Back Pain and longer.

Our Indianapolis radiologists offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures, and have accumulated one of the largest single center practices in the country. Interventional Physicians of Indiana is a leading provider of kyphoplasty and back pain management services and have served Central Indiana since 2003.

Interventional Physicians of Indiana interventional radiologists always start with a detailed ultrasound examination. Both the deep and superficial veins are carefully evaluated. The greater and lesser saphenous veins are also carefully examined. If the saphenous veins have abnormal reflux then the patient is a candidate for endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). If the saphenous veins are normal, we will then offer ambulatory (micro) phlebectomy or sclerotherapy as the treatment. Ultrasound findings and treatment options are always discussed with the patient during a pre-procedure consultation.

How does the EVLT procedure work?

The laser shrinks the vein walls closing the faulty vein so that blood can no longer flow through it. This eliminates the bulging vein at its source. This laser therapy procedure is highly effective and FDA approved.

How long does the EVLT procedure take?

EVLT is an outpatient treatment that takes less than an hour.

Will I be awake during the EVLT laser procedure?

General anesthesia is not necessary. Patients are given the option of having oral or intravenous conscious sedation for relaxation.

No. Once treated, the blood will merely be re-routed into other functioning veins in the leg.

Is there any risk from the EVLT laser?

No. As a precaution, everyone will be given laser goggles to wear to protect her/his eyes from harmful scattered, reflected, or direct laser radiation from the laser itself.

Does it hurt?

The EVLT procedure may cause minor bruising or soreness. Any discomfort is easily treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as recommended or necessary.

Will I need to take time off of work or activities?

After the EVLT procedure, there is usually no need to take time off of work. Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activities can be resumed right away, but consult your doctor about rigorous activity (such as gym workouts).

Will I have to have any lab tests done before an EVLT treatment?

There is no lab work or pre-op necessary for Endovenous Laser Therapy.

Is EVLT a successful procedure?

Some patients feel an immediate relief of symptoms. Reports confirm our experience that demonstrate a greater than 98% success rate.

What is an Interventional Radiologist?

An interventional radiologist specializes in treating disorders of the body using minimally invasive techniques and the blood vessels to gain access into the body. An interventional radiologist is a medical doctor with additional education and training (fellowship) above and beyond the required four years of a basic diagnostic radiology residency. All of our interventional radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Learn more about us here.

Don’t suffer from Varicose Veins and Spider Veins any longer.

EVLT is covered by the vast majority of insurance companies. Our Indianapolis metro area interventional radiologists are considered national experts in the treatment of varicose veins and offer the full-range of vein treatment including ambulatory (micro) phlebectomy and spider vein sclerotherapy.